1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
by Chrysa Smith
I love a good transformation. Taking something mundane and infusing it with beauty and purpose is so satisfying. And just maybe that’s John Muldoon’s feeling too. As the owner of the Bristol-based company, Concepts in Concrete, that’s exactly what he and his team do every day.
From Bucks to Montgomery, Mercer County, NJ to the shore, Concepts in Concrete converts ordinary gray concrete into beautiful floors. Polished and stained concrete floors work great in main living spaces and basements. Specked and shiny garage floors are achieved with epoxy (synthetic waterproof resin) coatings and metallic epoxy floors. They offer a sparkle and WOW factor that just can’t be attained with other floor options. In all, a stunning alternative to laying tile or simply having a bare concrete floor in the basement, garage or outdoor patio. And that’s just for starters.
According to Operations & Sales Manager, Laura Estey, there are two sides to the business---industrial and residential. As you might guess, industrial applications are heavy duty finishes—like epoxies, which hold up to the wear and tear that heavy machinery, trucks require, and in working spaces that demand maximum strength, and even protection from electrical shock or temperature fluctuations from subzero to tropical conditions. You might think forklifts, warehouses with volumes of computers or assembly equipment—maybe heavy, stacked goods ---the kind of stuff you would find in a home improvement or big box store—but even churches, restaurants and firehouses make up part of their portfolio.
In fact, there are so many options, in so many colors, it’s quite amazing and a bit confusing. Luckily, the Concepts in Concrete team help sort it out, as you might do with a designer or builder. Laura says, “The process of determining what can be done begins with a client call. A customer service rep will take down the information, access the project and make sure it’s an achievable goal. There are some limitations, depending upon the condition of the existing concrete. Broken, shifted, sinking concrete? We can’t always fix that but can do self-leveling concrete in applications to add a smooth finish to the top.”
“When it comes to stained concrete”, says Laura, “While we can do crazy designs, we tend to use colors that swirl rather than create bold streaks—using two to three colors to give it a stained effect.” Before old and cracked concrete can be stained, it needs an overlay—a smooth surface, much like a blank canvas. Moisture also plays a role in selecting a floor. Basements can have a lot of moisture not only in the air but trapped in the floor, thus making concrete a perfect choice—especially in wet basements and those that tend to flood. You can simply clean up the water, allow the floor to dry and you’re done. Sometimes it might need a sealer or moisture/ vapor barrier to hold down moisture. All these things play into what type of application is recommended. Clients will often bring in inspirational photos which are evaluated for the kind of application needed within a specific space. Once complete, an appointment is set up for a sales rep to visit and check the location, current floor covering, moisture, and the client’s vision.
As for residential concrete applications, they’ve never been prettier, and easier to maintain. According to Laura, “For garages (their number 1 residential project), clients need to start with an empty garage. Once that is done, one of our guys will use a walk-behind grinder that takes off the top layer, disposing of dirt and debris. If repairs are needed, they are done with an epoxy mortar. Depending upon conditions, a base coat is 100 percent solid epoxy.” They then add chips to it to get that flecked design, which Laura jokes, is available in about a billion colors. Then once it has dried, they scrape the top to give it a slip-resistant, orange peel texture, add a polyaspartic topcoat (a fast-drying protective seal) which is UV, water, and chemical resistant. The finished product is easy to clean—a big plus for a garage, where oil and dirt make their mark.
Twenty-three years ago, John says he fell in love with the business. After selling advertising, he met someone who worked in the concrete business. And once he learned they needed a sales rep, he nabbed it, worked there for several years, eventually opening his own concrete refinishing company—Concepts in Concrete.
Concrete has come a long way from what pours out of a cement truck or a bag from Home Depot. It has depth. It has purpose. And a great number of ways to integrate it into the design of both your indoor and outdoor space.
Concepts in Concrete is located at 701 Canal Street, Suite E, Bristol, PA; 215-709-9607;www.philadelphiaconcretefloor.com.
Chrysa Smith pens the Home & Style columns for Bucks County Magazine.